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Firestone’s Des Moines Ag Tire Plant has recently introduced a voluntary separation program, offering severance packages to employees willing to leave the company. This decision comes as the agricultural manufacturing industry faces ongoing demand constraints, prompting the company to reduce its workforce. The voluntary separation option is available to all employees, except those in the Maintenance and Powerhouse departments, and aims to minimize the impact of potential layoffs.

Responding to the rapid growth and increasing importance in the global battery and EV sectors, Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (SESA: A U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan) showcased their SDP-6560 A/B liquid-dispensed gap filling, non-adhesive curing silicone thermal interface material (TIM) at the largest battery technology expo in North America, the 2024 Battery Show held in Detroit. Part of the high performing SDP Series, which are two-part, room-temperature cure silicone-based materials, the product acts as a thermal interface gap filler−providing exceptional thermal conductivity and excellent insulation for electronics applications requiring thermal dissipation.

Yokohama Europe GmbH, the Group’s European regional headquarters, has provided aid through Caritas, an international charity, to support the reconstruction of the devastated areas in Valencia. Additionally, immediately after the disaster, Yokohama Iberia S.A., the Group’s local tire sales company, delivered supplies such as gloves and daily necessities to temporary evacuation centers, including schools in the Province of Valencia, and continues to provide ongoing support.

Falken Tyre Europe GmbH will be making changes to its management team for January 2025. Thomas Langer will be taking over as Sales Director Germany Replacement at Falken. Thomas Langer began his career at Falken in 2010 as a sales representative for the region of Bavaria and Saxony/Thuringia and has been responsible for southern Germany as regional sales manager since 2018. Jürgen Koch, who previously held the position of Sales Director Germany Replacement, will continue to support the company in his new position as Consultant Sales Germany from 1 January to 31 December 2025.

The company now expects fiscal year 2024 net revenue to be approximately $3.57 billion, adjusted diluted earnings per share to be approximately $3.84 and adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $594 million compared to previous guidance of adjusted EBITDA between $610 million and $620 million as communicated on September 25, 2024. Additionally, the company now expects cash flow from operations for the year to be approximately $300 million.

3M Glass Bubbles provide a high-performance alternative to conventional fillers in a variety of materials. These hollow glass microspheres are not only offering weight saving opportunities but are also contributing to functional benefits ranging from dimensional stability to solar reflectivity. 3M Glass Bubbles are made of soda-lime borosilicate glass, which is a true glass with inherently greater water and chemical resistance than other hollow glass microspheres made of sodium silicate glass, also known as water glass.

Elkem and Hafslund have entered into a long-term power agreement for the period 2028 to 2035. The annual contract volume is approximately 400 GWh, with delivery in the NO3 price area.
The new contract supports long-term operations at Elkem’s Thamshavn plant and enables investments at the production facility, which is located in Mid-Norway.

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, has recognized 23 companies and national associations for their exceptional contributions to advancing the ambitions of the Antwerp Declaration through the 2024 European Responsible Care Awards. Arkema emerged as the winner in the “Time for Change – Circularity and Climate Neutrality” category with its Optim’O program and received a commendation for reducing the carbon footprint of its bio-based Polyamide 11 materials.